| >>>>>
Education <<<<< |
 |
International Baccualuareate
Teachers
|
 |
| >>>>>
Departments <<<<< |
|
|
|
|
 |
The Department
of Pedagogical Support was formally set up in 1996 but it is the result
of a long lasting process of growth and development of a smaller department
which was in operation from 1984 known as Department of Methodology and
Personalized Attention. The Department covers four basic areas:
1-
Recovery lessons
2-
Remedial lessons
3-
'Learning to learn' short courses
4-
Analysis and individual counseling in cases of poor performance.
1.
Recovery lessons. They consist of supplementary support lessons for
a number of curricular subjects taught by the course teacher in order to
deal in greater detail with topics that might not have been grasped by the
student. Students asked to attend are those who have revealed problems understanding
specific points and may stay for a few lessons only, so their stay may not
last more than one or two weeks.
2.
Remedial lessons, on the other hand, which cover the areas of Expression,
Reasoning and Learning to learn strategies do not deal with specific points
but are meant to help the student overcome problems with instrumental learning
strategies. These difficulties, which are detected via diagnostic tests
in each of the three areas at the beginning of the term, do not show deficits
of intelligence but the lack of certain cognitive strategies originated
from a number of common circumstances nowadays ( little or no reading /writing
habits).
3.
The mini courses on Learning to Learn Strategies which are run in 6th
year primary (Year 6) and 1st year secondary (Year 7) help students become
more systematic in their school work: timing, summarizing, mind maps, etc.
4.
Based on the diagnostic test results obtained in March and in conjunction
with the Psychology Department and classmasters our department closely follows
up those cases of serious and generalized poor performance accompanying
the student's evolution, seeking causes and developing strategies together
with the families. The results of these activities are monitored in their
quality and quantity both internally and externally.
It
should be pointed out that all these support activities find deep roots
in the profile and educational philosophy of the school. While we
seek excellence we permanently bear in mind we are a Christian school and
we cannot let only the most able ones or those who have suffered no hardship
at school achieve success. On the contrary, we support each one of the students
so that they can attain good standards. Whether they make full use of these
opportunities or not will depend entirely on themselves and their families'
support.
All
teachers, and especially those working in the area of remedial work are
encouraged to take part in workshops and refreshment courses both in-service
and outside.
The
work of this department has been acknowledged by specialized institutions
and we have been invited to share our experience with both private and state
schools. Finally, its coordinator plays an active role in the administration
of entrance tests set to students joining our school at the different
years (except for 1st year which is tested by Primary) in order to ensure
that the new students will be able to cope with the demands of the Secondary
school.
|
All rights reserved